DON BRENNAN, QMI Agency

PITTSBURGH - The Senators took a stay-at-home defenceman with their first pick in the NHL draft.

They picked offensively skilled Orléans native Cody Ceci.

Ceci, ranked sixth among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau, slipped right into the Senators’ hands in the first round of the draft.

And as happy as the Senators were for that, Ceci was even more pumped.

“I was just thinking they’d pick me up,” he said of the anticipation leading to his 15th overall selection at the Consol Energy Center. “I’m sure it was the same feeling for my mom (Karen), as you saw her reaction there at the end. She was really excited when I wasn’t moving far away from home. She likes me at home, apparently.

“Getting to stay there for major junior was special, for her, and getting a chance to stay there now for the NHL is something else. It will be really cool for me and my whole family.

“Fortunately, it worked out for me. I’m lucky enough to go back home and try out for my hometown team.”

Ceci recalled going to Senators games growing up, the first one as an eight- or nine- year-old.

“I remember just getting (Senators) tickets for Christmas and I thought it was the best thing ever,” he said. “I just remember it being my best gift, and they were only in my stocking.”

It was the fourth time in their history the Senators selected a 67, but the first time they took one in the opening round.

In 2003, the Senators selected 67’s defenceman Wil Colbert in the seventh round.

The Murray regime has taken 67’s three of the last four drafts — Corey Cowick in the sixth round of 2009, Shane Prince in the second round of 2011 and now Ceci.

“I just think so many good hockey players are developed in the Ottawa area,” said GM Bryan Murray. “In some cases they’ve moved on and had very good careers elsewhere, but I really think that it’s a great message to young players in Ottawa ... that if you are a good player we will certainly look at you as being a candidate for the Senators.

“I think any local young man that has a chance to play for the hometown NHL team has got to be happy and proud. The many friends he has and family he has in the city will really benefit.

“We may too. We may get a few more season-ticket holders.”

Ceci hopes to crack the Senators’ lineup next spring. Although he’s just 18, he does have three years of junior under his belt.

There should be jobs up for grabs, as the Senators could have just four defenceman from last season’s team coming back in 2012-13.

“I think there’s room for anybody that can play the game at a high level,” said Murray. “They come in, they get a chance, they determine if they make it or not by their play. If he’s good enough in training camp going forward, obviously we’ll give him that look.

“It’s hard for a defenceman, we know that. But we’ve got lots of room, and we need players to fill the room.”

Ceci should be a good fit under coach Paul MacLean’s puck-moving, fast-skating way.

“I really liked the style Nicklas Lidstrom played,” Ceci said when asked about his favourite player. “He had a real good career. I’ve heard I play a similar style to him. He’s not too physical, but he’s not afraid to jump up into the rush and contribute offensively, or move the puck up.